When 'Everything' Includes Inanimate Objects

Recently I learned about inanimate objects – those annoying, hard to beat, unpredictable little things that come around enough to make someone forget about the good things that has happened for the rest of the day. There seem to be a lot of downers every passing second and no matter how nicely events unfold, once an inanimate object hits you, it will be the only thing visible on a whole sheet of white paper. At one point, I wondered if there is ever a way to be thankful for our complaints. Attending to prayer meetings, the number of prayer requests are quite noticeable than the thanksgiving list. When the pastor would ask who has a blessing to thank for and share how God worked to give it, there are even times when people choose to be silent. But when we (I) do start complaining, I don't mind the place, time and event, I speak it out, loud.

Thanksgiving or complaining – these words express two contrast attitudes of the souls of God's children in regard to His dealings with them; and they are more powerful than we are inclined to believe in furthering or frustrating His purposes of comfort and peace toward us. 

The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.

God's command is "In everything give thanks." and the command is emphasized by the declaration, "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." It is an actual positive command; and if we want to obey God, we have simply got to give thanks in everything. There is no getting around it. No room for inanimate object to choose becoming an unthankful soul.

Posted in: making sense of life